Reducing stores’ environmental impact
Reducing stores’ environmental impact
Sobeys Atlantic
Sobeys Atlantic has implemented and is currently testing a wide-range of energy conservation measures. Initiatives in the region include:
- Replacing 320 watt HID lamps in 64 stores with 240 watt (T5) fluorescent lights. This action is expected to reduce the amount of electricity required to illuminate the stores by approximately 43%.
- Installing 54 variable speed drives (VSD) and 68 demand control units. Variable speed drives override fixed motor speeds to give operators control over the speed at which HVAC equipment fans and pumps operate. When a fan is driven by a fixed speed motor, the air flow can sometimes be higher than necessary. By regulating the speed of the motor to align with demand, we save energy. Demand control units reduce the amount of energy provided to the refrigeration, HVAC and at some locations, the lighting systems when the systems’ power demand exceeds preset limits. These devices are now required in the design specifications for all new stores in the region.
- Use of light-dimming technology in 43 stores. Sobeys Atlantic is also testing this technology in combination with skylights.
- Installing energy surveillance systems in nine stores to monitor the stores’ energy loads and locate energy leaks, usually from equipment that is out of calibration.
- Piloting a number of energy-saving features at the Russell Lake store in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Energy-saving design features at this store include 24 skylights covering 93 sq. metres; 93 sq. metres of clerestory glazing on high-level windows, which provide 75% of the store’s lighting on bright days; and using a light-coloured ceiling. If these features prove to be effective, they will be implemented in other stores.
